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Coach Bennett said at his media lunch today that he's considering removing the redshirts from more true freshmen. He's considering "about four" freshmen on defense, although he said that until he makes his decision, he didn't want to identify who they are.

When discussing his quarterbacks, he said that Richard Bartel and Tate Wallis both likely will play this weekend, although he said he's not sure he has a quarterback who can "play the full game and take us where we want to be." At that point, he said he's considering taking the redshirt off Chris Phillips, who has an extremely strong arm and the best mobility of all of the quarterbacks on the team.

Bennett clarified his statement:
1. He said Phillips is a bit ahead of Ricky Joe Meeks in his development, but that the coaches remain very enthusiastic about Meeks.
2. He cautioned that if Phillips does play, the coaches will have to simplify the package of plays and formations for him - which is something he said the coaches might need to do, anyway.
3. He said the decision to play Phillips is by no means a done deal. He said that he'd like Bartel and/or Wallis to do the job, but that all decisions will be based on practice.

At the risk of being redundant, QB ain't the problem. I hope that Bennett will redshirt everyone he can this year. It will be a horrible season but at least we'll be able to keep 4 more years of eligibility for our best athletes. Strong weight rooms etc and we could see some improvemnt starting next year. This team isn't going anywhere so why mortgage any future?

Phillips might have huge potential and great athletic ability, but I think it's too early to give up on Bartel and Wallis. Bartel spent his time on the field looking up from the turf, and Wallis gave the team a bit of a boost by adding his running ability to the offense. I'm in favor of saving as many redshirts as possible. And if the rumors are true, Phillips might be too talented to play only half a season. Give him a full year to learn the offense, then throw him in the mix next year.

You guys make valid points about this year, but playing Phillips would not mean you are giving up on Bartel, it would mean that you have given up on the Oline for this year. Big distinction. We cannot continue to have hurries and sacks, so SMU must find a guy who can scramble and throw on the run. That is if we want to be competitive this year, I understand some people are more patient than others. With Phillips, it might just be a case of getting the future started now. It all depends on how mature the kid is.

[This message has been edited by Hoop Fan (edited 09-22-2003).]

it does not matter who is at quarterback as long as the offensive line continues to block poorly

I call Avery Cleveland, Cory Muse, Sturdivant and Fred Turner for the 4 Defensive players.

[This message has been edited by Stallion (edited 09-22-2003).]

After being very wary of pulling these redshirts at first, I'm starting to really like the idea. You send a great message to future recruits, i.e. we don't have the talent right now. Come here and you'll play immediately. I think it boosts recruiting in a big way.

I am also a supporter of this move, and hope that Phillips is among the four. As I have stated in several of my previous posts, it is clear that the O-line and receivers are going to be a weakness this entire year. With that being the case Bartel, with his limited mobility, is likely to see very little success except possibly against the very worst teams we face.

Of the active QB's, that would leave us with Wallis as the quarterback most likely to succeed as he pretty much demonstrated Saturday night. The problem here is that Wallis is not likely the QB of the future.

Phillips defintely qualifies as a QB of the future, and by his playing now we could POTENTIALLY win some games this year, and accelerate his progress and the team's (in terms of W's and L's).

I also like the logic that Bennett can tell potential recruits that if they are sufficiently talented and mature, they will start if we do not have a better answer at that position.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Stallion:
<B> I call Avery Cleveland, Cory Muse, Sturdivant and Fred Turner for the 4 Defensive players.

[This message has been edited by Stallion (edited 09-22-2003).]</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would agree, with the possible exception of Lucky DeLay instead of Sturdivant. We desperately need to boost the pass rush, and Sturdivant is smaller than we thought.

Although, why waste a year on an inevitably 3-4 win season?

QB may not be our problem and I dont think anyone is giving up on Bartel, but we have serious holes in the OLine. A mobile QB gives us a much better chance to win and Chris Phillips is da man!!!

We almost have as big of a problem in the secondary as the OLine, therefore I believe Sturdivant will be one of the four.

I love cleveland and Muse as players, but are the problems really with the LB core?

Also, I don't think McGee has his redshirt officially off, so he could qualify as a possibility as well.

If Godfrey is out for the year, that could open the door for Sturdivant. I think he would play a lot on special teams right away.

The decision to take off some redshirts on defense may be to improve the speed and athletes in the special team punt and kickoff coverage.

I hope Delay isn't one of them, I hate to see linemen not redshirted, and we are using enough of them as is...

McGee, Sturdivant, Turner, Muse. That adds to Massey, Pellerin, Jaymond Cleveland, Turner, Bonds, Jones.

the comment that "it will be decided based on practice" tells me coach is dangling the proverbial carrot. If anyone clearly shows they can help us improve (and they bust their rears in practice as proof), they get immediate playing time.

I agree with the Lucky DeLay comment. If he's a bigger DE and can help the pass rush, do it. As for the LBs Cleveland and Muse, they might help on special teams as well. Should be interesting. If Turner is in the mix, how might he be used...as a corner or on offense as another wideout?

Sturdivant has good size - he's a legit 6'1" or 6'2". He's a little thinner than you'd like in a safety, but he's faster than you think and he's a vicious hitter. He can help the team. Now.

And with all due respect to our current LBs, Cleveland and Muse would increase team speed significantly.